Monday, September 5, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Mommy Maestra: Get Back-To-School With Foreign Language Friends {...
Mommy Maestra: Get Back-To-School With Foreign Language Friends {...: Last year, I shared with you Foreign Language Friends a valuable online resource for Spanish-speaking familias and Spanish-learners. And ...
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Case for Spanish
There has been a lot of discussion as to 'why' the Salinas City Elementary School District has not chosen a more critically needed language, such as Mandarin for their dual language immersion programs. The answer is simple: there aren't enough elementary aged, fluent Mandarin speakers in the Salinas community to qualify for a dual language program. However, a one-way Mandarin immersion program could be possible. (click here to read about the differences between dual, or two-way, immersion programs and one-way immersion programs). Perhaps this will happen in the future, if enough parents express interest in such a program and there is a suitable school site to house the program. Something to think about....
The case for why SCESD has chosen Spanish as the target language for their three dual language programs is just as easily explained. To begin, Salinas is home to an abundance of native Spanish speakers. By learning Spanish, English speaking children will gain a better cultural understanding of the Spanish speaking community. In addition, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world and according to www.spanishlanguageguide.com it is likely to remain firmly in the No. 2 spot for years to come. And, probably the most compelling reason, Spanish improves the understanding of English (for native English speakers). Much of the vocabulary of English has Latin origins. Since Spanish is also a Latin language, learning Spanish will allow the English speaker a better understanding of their native vocabulary. Similarly, both Spanish and English share Indo-European roots, so their grammars are similar. There is perhaps no more effective way to learn English grammar than by studying the grammar of another language.
The good news for Spanish/English dual language program parents who want their children to acquire a "critical needs language" is that science indicates that bilingual/multilingual people acquire additional languages more easily than their monolingual peers. Hence, students that go through a dual language program are more likely to easily acquire a third language. (click this link for specific research details).
Regardless of which language is your preference, the bottom line is that learning a second language enriches one's life intellectually, culturally, economically, socially, and so on...
The case for why SCESD has chosen Spanish as the target language for their three dual language programs is just as easily explained. To begin, Salinas is home to an abundance of native Spanish speakers. By learning Spanish, English speaking children will gain a better cultural understanding of the Spanish speaking community. In addition, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world and according to www.spanishlanguageguide.com it is likely to remain firmly in the No. 2 spot for years to come. And, probably the most compelling reason, Spanish improves the understanding of English (for native English speakers). Much of the vocabulary of English has Latin origins. Since Spanish is also a Latin language, learning Spanish will allow the English speaker a better understanding of their native vocabulary. Similarly, both Spanish and English share Indo-European roots, so their grammars are similar. There is perhaps no more effective way to learn English grammar than by studying the grammar of another language.
The good news for Spanish/English dual language program parents who want their children to acquire a "critical needs language" is that science indicates that bilingual/multilingual people acquire additional languages more easily than their monolingual peers. Hence, students that go through a dual language program are more likely to easily acquire a third language. (click this link for specific research details).
Regardless of which language is your preference, the bottom line is that learning a second language enriches one's life intellectually, culturally, economically, socially, and so on...
- References:
- Businessweek Magazine www.businessweek.com/magazine
- Wikipedia Encyclopedia www.wikipedia.com
- Pew Research Center www.pewresearch.org
- Vista wide: www.vistawide.com
- US Census: cencus.gov.com/
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Lincoln Elementary DLP gets a third class for 2011-2012
In addition to one first grade dual language and one kinder dual language class for 2011-2012, Lincoln Elementary School is now hiring a third teacher for a dual language kinder/1st combo class.
Go to lincolndlp.blogspot.com for more info.
Congratulations to Lincoln and to Salinas City Elementary School District!
Go to lincolndlp.blogspot.com for more info.
Congratulations to Lincoln and to Salinas City Elementary School District!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Rhodel Island to launch revolutionary trilingual immersion curriculum for preschoolers
According to a press release posted on PBN.com, Rhode Island's Federal Hill House Association (FHHA), a non profit human service agency, will begin a revolutionary trilingual immersion curriculum for their preschool/daycare and early school age programs this fall. Children in their programs will learn English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. DLPA will follow the progress of their programs and report back here on what we learn. We hope this will inspire Californians to start similar multilingual programs.
Click here to read the entire press release...
Click here to read the entire press release...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
NEWS- Call your California Senator today (July 5th by 4pm PST) to show support of AB 409
TODAY is the deadline for calling your Senator to show support of AB 409!
SUPPORT DUAL IMMERSION PROGRAMS USE OF THE SPANISH STANDARDS TEST FOR ALL STUDENTS
To Be Heard on Wednesday, July 6, 2011
CALLS MUST BE MADE BY 4:00 P.M. TUESDAY, July 5th, 2011
If you live or work in any of the cities below, please make phone calls by Tuesday, July 5th at 4:00 p.m. to your Senator to support the passage of AB 409 (Alejo)
AB 409 (Alejo) - Spanish Standards Test and Dual Immersion Programs - In addition to English learners, this bill would allow students who are English Only (in the DLP) to take the primary language test at the choice of the district and at the expense of the school district. The passage of this bill will allow schools/district to have one consistent measure of Spanish achievement in Dual Language Programs. Call today!!!
Senator Sam Blakeslee (R 15-San Luis Obispo) 916-651-4015
Counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara (p)
Main Cities: San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Scotts Valley, Carmel Valley, Carmel, Morgan Hill, Morro Bay, Santa Maria
Senator Alan Lowenthal (D 27-Long Beach) 916-651-4027
Counties: Los Angeles
Main Cities: Artesia, Avalon, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Lynwood, Paramount, Signal Hill, South-Gate, Florence-Graham, Willowbrook
Senator Sharon Runner (R 17-Antelope Valley) 916-651-4017
Counties: Kern (p),Los Angeles (p), San Bernardino (p),Ventura (p),
Main Cities: Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Los Angeles
Senator Elaine Alquist (D 13-Santa Clara) 916-651-4013
Counties: Santa Clara
Main Cities: San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Gilroy
Senator Sam Blakeslee (R 15-San Luis Obispo) 916-651-4015
Counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara (p)
Main Cities: San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Scotts Valley, Carmel Valley, Carmel, Morgan Hill, Morro Bay, Santa Maria
Senator Loni Hancock (D 9-Berkeley) 916-651-4009
Counties: Alameda (p), Contra Costa (p)
Main Cities: Alameda, Berkeley, Livermore, Oakland, Richmond
Senator Huff (R 29-Diamond Bar) 916-651-4029
Counties: Los Angeles (p),Orange (p),San Bernardino (p)
Main Cities: Anaheim, Arcadia, Brea, Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Covina, Diamond Bar, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heights, LaVerne, Monrovia, Placentia, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, Walnut
Senator Carol Liu (D 21-Pasadena) 916-651-4021
Counties: Los Angles (p)
Cities: Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, La Canada Flintridge, Los Angles, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Valley Village and Van Nuys
Senator Curren Price (D 26-Los Angeles) 916-651-4026
Counties: Los Angeles
Main Cities: Culver City, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Senator Joe Simitian (D 11- Palo Alto) 916-651-4011
Counties: San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz
Main Cities: Atherton, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Capitola
Senator Juan Vargas (D 40 - Chula Vista) 916-651-4040
Counties: Imperial, Riverside (p), San Diego (p)
Main Cities: Brawley, Calexico, Cathedral City, Chula Vista, Coachella, Coronado, El Centro, Imperial Beach, Indio, National City, San Diego, San Ysidro
SUPPORT DUAL IMMERSION PROGRAMS USE OF THE SPANISH STANDARDS TEST FOR ALL STUDENTS
To Be Heard on Wednesday, July 6, 2011
CALLS MUST BE MADE BY 4:00 P.M. TUESDAY, July 5th, 2011
If you live or work in any of the cities below, please make phone calls by Tuesday, July 5th at 4:00 p.m. to your Senator to support the passage of AB 409 (Alejo)
AB 409 (Alejo) - Spanish Standards Test and Dual Immersion Programs - In addition to English learners, this bill would allow students who are English Only (in the DLP) to take the primary language test at the choice of the district and at the expense of the school district. The passage of this bill will allow schools/district to have one consistent measure of Spanish achievement in Dual Language Programs. Call today!!!
Senator Sam Blakeslee (R 15-San Luis Obispo) 916-651-4015
Counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara (p)
Main Cities: San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Scotts Valley, Carmel Valley, Carmel, Morgan Hill, Morro Bay, Santa Maria
Senator Alan Lowenthal (D 27-Long Beach) 916-651-4027
Counties: Los Angeles
Main Cities: Artesia, Avalon, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Lynwood, Paramount, Signal Hill, South-Gate, Florence-Graham, Willowbrook
Senator Sharon Runner (R 17-Antelope Valley) 916-651-4017
Counties: Kern (p),Los Angeles (p), San Bernardino (p),Ventura (p),
Main Cities: Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Los Angeles
Senator Elaine Alquist (D 13-Santa Clara) 916-651-4013
Counties: Santa Clara
Main Cities: San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Gilroy
Senator Sam Blakeslee (R 15-San Luis Obispo) 916-651-4015
Counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara (p)
Main Cities: San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Scotts Valley, Carmel Valley, Carmel, Morgan Hill, Morro Bay, Santa Maria
Senator Loni Hancock (D 9-Berkeley) 916-651-4009
Counties: Alameda (p), Contra Costa (p)
Main Cities: Alameda, Berkeley, Livermore, Oakland, Richmond
Senator Huff (R 29-Diamond Bar) 916-651-4029
Counties: Los Angeles (p),Orange (p),San Bernardino (p)
Main Cities: Anaheim, Arcadia, Brea, Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Covina, Diamond Bar, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heights, LaVerne, Monrovia, Placentia, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, Walnut
Senator Carol Liu (D 21-Pasadena) 916-651-4021
Counties: Los Angles (p)
Cities: Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, La Canada Flintridge, Los Angles, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Valley Village and Van Nuys
Senator Curren Price (D 26-Los Angeles) 916-651-4026
Counties: Los Angeles
Main Cities: Culver City, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Senator Joe Simitian (D 11- Palo Alto) 916-651-4011
Counties: San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz
Main Cities: Atherton, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Capitola
Senator Juan Vargas (D 40 - Chula Vista) 916-651-4040
Counties: Imperial, Riverside (p), San Diego (p)
Main Cities: Brawley, Calexico, Cathedral City, Chula Vista, Coachella, Coronado, El Centro, Imperial Beach, Indio, National City, San Diego, San Ysidro
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Openings at K-8 Charter School Two-Way Immersion (Dual) Program
6/27/11-Santa Ana, CA- There are several openings at a K-8 Charter School in Santa Ana. It is a Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Program with a focus on the arts and technology http://www.oceaa.org/. If you are interested, please check EdJoin http://www.edjoin.org/!
Openings in:
Kinder
5th
7th/8th Spanish Science
7th/8th Spanish Composition (part-time).
Openings in:
Kinder
5th
7th/8th Spanish Science
7th/8th Spanish Composition (part-time).
Salinas, CA- Sixth-graders to learn Korean language, culture
Salinas, CA- For some sixth-grade students, the possibility to learn a third or fourth language and culture will become a reality this summer. John E. Steinbeck School — one of 13 elementary schools in the Alisal Union School District — will provide an after-school program where 40 academically advanced sixth-graders will have the opportunity to learn the Korean language and culture. The owner of Alisal Pizzeria, Moon Lee, put Alisal district's board president, Jose Castañeda, in contact with the Korean consulate in San Francisco...
Read the full article here:
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20110610/NEWS12/106100331/Sixth-graders-learn-Korean-language-culture?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
Read the full article here:
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20110610/NEWS12/106100331/Sixth-graders-learn-Korean-language-culture?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
NEW BLOG- Lincoln Elementary DLP
Check out Lincoln Elementary School's new blog...
As the blog states that SCESD is still accepting enrollment for first and kinder students for the 2011-2012 school year. Please contact the district office 840 S. Main St., Salinas, CA 93901, 831-784-2214 for more detailed information.
Lincolndlp.blogspot.com
As the blog states that SCESD is still accepting enrollment for first and kinder students for the 2011-2012 school year. Please contact the district office 840 S. Main St., Salinas, CA 93901, 831-784-2214 for more detailed information.
Lincolndlp.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Forbes Blog: Language Learning Helps Businesses Compete Globally
This is a great blog about the importance of being bilingual/multilingual in the business world.
http://blogs.forbes.com/ciocentral/2011/05/27/language-learning-helps-businesses-compete-globally/
Sunday, June 19, 2011
UCLA institute helps kindergarteners master Mandarin
UCLA institute helps kindergarteners master MandarinPersonally, I love to read about innovative educators that are developing new ways to enhance and/or start their language immersion programs. I hope you enjoy the article.
http://today.ucla.edu/portal/ut/mandarin-208132.aspx
http://today.ucla.edu/portal/ut/mandarin-208132.aspx
Saturday, June 18, 2011
NEWS: Toro Park Elementary School Parents Push for Spanish Immersion Programs
Language Immersion continues to be a hot topic in Salinas. First, Lincoln Elementary School adopts a dual language program for the 2011-2012 school year, and now, Toro Park Elementary School Parents advocate for their own program. Check out the links below...
http://www.thecalifornian.com/
http://www.ksbw.com/video/
Enjoy.
http://www.thecalifornian.com/
http://www.ksbw.com/video/
Enjoy.
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